Methadone is a (synthetic opiate) narcotic that when administered once a day, orally, in adequate doses, can usually suppress a heroin addict's craving and withdrawal for 24 hours. Patients are as physically dependent on methadone as they were to heroin or other opiates, such as Oxycotin or Vicodin. Each time an addict uses heroin, there is a cycle of consisting of intoxication, initially, followed by a period of normal mental functioning which then yields to the discomfort of withdrawal and craving (flu-like symptoms with pain, anxiety and depression).

The cycle that repeats every 4 to 8 hours with heroin is eliminated by expert methadone maintenance treatment. This is possible because methadone is released more slowly into the system and lasts much longer than heroin and most other opiates. Short acting opiates, like heroin, hydrocodone and morphine perpetuate and/or create abnormal processes in the brain, which interfere with feeling normal and functioning normally. Taking methadone, instead, stops most aspects of this destructive process while normalizing important neurobiological functions. After stabilization on the proper dose, methadone does not produce the rush or "high" associated with heroin abuse.

What are the side effects of Methadone?

The most common side effects of Methadone are:

• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• weakness
• euphoria
• dry mouth
• urinary retention
• constipation, and
• slow or troubled breathing

Some occasional side effects are:

• allergic reactions
• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• headache
• dizziness
• impaired concentration
• sensation of drunkenness
• confusion
• depression
• blurred or double vision
• facial flushing
• sweating
• heart palpitation
• nausea
• and vomiting

The least common side effects of Methadone are:

• anaphylactic reactions
• hypotension causing weakness and fainting
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• unstable gait
• tremor
• muscle twitching
• myasthenia gravis

The risks include kidney failure and seizures.

What are the signes of a Methadone overdose?

• marked drowsiness
• confusion
• tremors
• convulsions
• stupor leading to coma
• cold and clammy skin
• hypotension
• bradycardia

Detoxification from Methadone

For detoxification treatment, methadone is administered under close supervision. During detoxification a patient may receive methadone when there are symptoms of withdrawal. Such symptoms are sneezing, yawning, tearing of eyes, runny nose, excessive perspiration, fever, dilated pupils, abdominal cramps, nausea, body aches, tremors and irritability. After several days of stabilizing a patient with methadone, the amount is gradually decreased. The rate at which it is decreased is dependent on the reaction of the individual . . . keeping withdrawal symptoms at a tolerable level is the goal.